In a recent development, the Parliament has issued a statement regarding the resolution made by the National Unity Platform (NUP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to recall the Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, the Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, from his position as a Commissioner of Parliament.
The NEC also nominated Hon. Francis Zaake, the Member of Parliament for Mityana Municipality, to replace Hon. Mathias Mpuuga. However, Parliament clarified that such a resolution alone does not hold the power to remove a commissioner from office.
Mr. Chris Obore, the Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Parliament, emphasized that the process for removing a Commissioner is governed by Rule 110 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.
According to Obore, the removal of a Commissioner can only be initiated through a formal motion for resolution, which must be submitted in writing to the Clerk to Parliament. This motion must be signed by at least one-third of all voting Members of Parliament, indicating their intention to move for the Commissioner's removal.
Obore further explained that the removal of a Commissioner can only be finalized through a vote by at least half of all the voting Members of Parliament. As of now, the Clerk to Parliament has not received any such formal notice to initiate the process of removal.
It's worth noting that there are 529 voting Members of Parliament, which means that for a removal motion to succeed, it would require the support of at least 265 members, representing half of the total voting Members.
The statement from Parliament comes amidst growing concerns over allegations of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office against Hon. Mathias Mpuuga. While the National Unity Platform NEC's resolution signaled their desire for a change in the Commissioner position, the procedural requirements outlined by Parliament underscore the necessity for a formal and legally sound process to effect such changes.
This clarification from Parliament underscores the importance of adherence to parliamentary procedures and rules in matters concerning the removal of officials from office. It also highlights the significance of due process and the rule of law within the parliamentary framework.
As of now, the Rt. Hon Mathias Mpuuga remains in his position as a Commissioner of Parliament, pending any formal motion and subsequent parliamentary proceedings regarding his removal. The situation is expected to unfold further as parliamentary discussions and actions progress in accordance with the established procedures.
With all this in play, the big question that remains is, where all this leaves Hon. Mpuuga and his membership in NUP, above all his personal relationship with Bobi Wine.
